PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It was an emotional afternoon as a crowd of around 300 gathered at the Hollywood Transit Center Saturday, one year after two men lost their lives in a racially motivated attack on a MAX train.
The Hollywood Transit Center is being transformed into a tribute to the men who stood up against hate, when Jeremy Christian allegedly went on an anti-Muslim tirade before he’s accused of stabbing Ricky Best, Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Micah Fletcher, who survived his injuries.
Tears flowed as families of the victims touched the mural created in their honor. The targeted girls, Destinee Mangum and her friend, were also at the ceremony.
The ceremony recognized the community that came together to spread messages of love on the walls at the transit center in the hours and days after the attack.
“It’s beautiful, and I was telling my girls that all this is for you and the guys,” Destinee Mangum’s mom Dyjuana Hudson, said. “We’re just happy we can be a part of it.”
The colorful chalk tribute eventually washed away, but TriMet decided to create a permanent tribute. Artist Sarah Farahat and a team of other artists were commissioned to design and paint a mural.
The artists’ message is to alter the future in memory of the past.
“It just brings life to this place,” attendee Dawn Marie said. “Especially since the drawing began, people gathering in a different way — talking sharing. It just gives me hope.”
At 4:30 p.m. the moment the attack happened last year, family members rang a bell for each of the victims.
“He chose that passing to seal the fracture of hatred and bigotry with love and compassion,” Namkai-Meche’s mother Asha Deliverance said.
His last words are painted on the wall.
“‘Tell everyone on this train I love them’ was coming from his heart,” Deliverance said. “That was really Taliesin and how he felt.”
Eric Best rang the bell for his dad and Fletcher’s family on his behalf.
The man who helped save Fletcher was there too.
“I had him against my chest, telling him ‘you have to match my breathing,'” Marcus Knipe said. “It feels good to see people coming out showing the community we can overcome anything that happens.”
Mayor Ted Wheeler released this statement on the anniversary:
“Today is a day of somber reflection for our community.
“One year ago, the lives of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Ricky Best were taken in a horrific attack on a MAX train. A third man, Micah Fletcher, was seriously injured. The lives of the families of those men, the lives of the women who were terrorized by anti-Muslim threats, and the lives of the first responders and witnesses were forever changed, as we were reminded again that violence and hatred are too pervasive in our society.
“As we mark this day, we must choose to remain united in our resolve to choose love. We must recognize the incredible resilience of our community.
“Taliesin, Ricky and Micah stood up to hatred. They are heroes. They continue to serve as inspiration to me personally, and to us all. Let us all take time today to honor and remember these men.”